THE INFLUENCE OF NURSES’ PROFICIENCY IN CHEST TUBE AFTERCARE ON POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY DURATION: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY IN SURGICAL WARDS AT SAIDU TEACHING HOSPITAL, SWAT.

Abstract

Background: Chest tube aftercare is a critical component in the postoperative management of patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Inadequate nursing care can lead to complications, prolonged hospital stays, and delayed recovery. While numerous studies have explored surgical techniques, few have examined the correlation between nursing proficiency in chest tube management and patient recovery outcomes.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the correlation between nurses' proficiency in chest tube aftercare and the postoperative recovery time of patients in the surgical wards of Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat.

Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed. The sample consisted of 100 registered nurses selected through convenience sampling from surgical wards. Two data collection tools were used: a structured nurse proficiency questionnaire and a patient recovery assessment form. Data were collected over two months and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics described demographics, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient determined associations between nurse proficiency scores and patient recovery outcomes.

Results: The results revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between nurses’ chest tube care proficiency scores and patients' length of hospital stay (r = –0.42, p < 0.01), incidence of complications (r = –0.35, p < 0.05), and delayed chest tube removal (r = –0.47, p < 0.01). Higher proficiency was associated with improved patient recovery indicators.

Conclusion: Nursing proficiency in chest tube aftercare has a measurable impact on surgical patient recovery. Structured training and standardized protocols are essential for optimizing postoperative outcomes in thoracic surgery units.